Fifteen Going on Grown Up (29 page)

“Whose car is this?”

Hally asked.

“My Parents.”

Rhys replied. Hally glanced over the seat to Corrinne and Gregg. She was already tucked up close to him with his arm around her and didn’t seem in the least bit interested in finding out where they were going. Wes put his arm around her and said.

“Just enjoy the ride. It won’t be long.”

That was all he would say about the journey.

An hour later they were driving through open countryside with fields of sheep on both sides. There didn’t seem to be anything around them except the odd farm scattered about. Hally had never before taken much notice of what lay outside of Colingford, she had been on trips and picnics with her parents and Nathan but hadn’t really taken it in. Now she was surprised at how rural her hometown actually was. Most of the conversation in the car had been restricted to general chitchat until Rhys turned the car off the road and headed down a rough track.

“Here we are.”

Wes told them all. Within a couple of minutes they pulled up outside a stone cottage. There was quite a lot of building materials and equipment outside the house. Seeing the expressions on the faces of the girls Wes quickly stated.

“Oh don’t worry about that stuff, inside is what’s important.”

“But what is this place?”

Hally enquired.

“My mum and dad bought it and dad’s been doing it up. Gregg and Rhys have been giving him a hand. It’s not complete yet (Hally gave him a concerned look) but don’t worry, there’s only small things left to do. It is perfectly habitable.”

Hally was again shocked and she thought disappointed that she was again finding out something at the same time as her two friends. She gave Wes a little look that told him she was hurt that he hadn’t told her about the cottage before and he frowned slightly in realisation, but said nothing at that point. Unwilling to spoil the day Hally let it go but again resolved to question him when they were alone. This brought back the fact that she still hadn’t asked about his exams and was beginning to wonder what other things she would find out.

Inside the cottage was more than habitable, it was simply delightful. There was a small cosy sitting room with country style furnishings and an open fire. The ceilings were low with heavy wooden beams and the windows were small with deep cushioned window seats. Wes led them into the kitchen which was much larger than the sitting room with windows that opened onto an overgrown garden and fields.

“Dad opened this out, it was two smaller rooms originally.”

He told them.

“This place is like a tardis, it seems to get bigger as you move further inside. You’ll see when we go upstairs.”

Gregg told the girls and indeed he was right. Somehow the cottage had three bedrooms and a small bathroom upstairs. Each room softly painted and furnished in wood. The girls glanced at each other unsure of what to say or do. Wes came to their rescue.

“Don’t look so worried you three. Dad let us have this place on the strict understanding that we behave ourselves, by that I mean us three. We just want you all to enjoy this day, so choose your rooms and then come downstairs for surprises.”

Hally, Corrinne and Clia looked at each other and it was Hally who made the first move.

“Ok, I’ll take this room.”

The other two smiled and they all moved to the hallway to decide on the other two rooms.

Back in the sitting room, Wes told the girls to sit down by the fire which the boys had lit whilst the girls were still upstairs. Then he, Gregg and Rhys went into the kitchen. It was quite some time before they returned each carrying something. Wes was holding a tray which he placed on the small coffee table in front of the sofa. On it was mugs of hot chocolate, a plate with chocolate muffins more chocolate covered strawberries and a dish of chocolate truffles. Rhys came forward and handed each of the girls a bouquet of red roses and Gregg came round to the front of the table and placed on it a red heart shaped box filled with fresh strawberries, red grapes and dipping chocolate. The boys settled themselves on the floor and told the girls to dig in.

After the chocolate feast the boys cleared away and indicated that the girls should follow them. At the back door they handed each girl a thick travel rug and a pair of wellington boots, Wes grinning widely at Hally’s look of astonishment.

“Told you you’d need them.”

He said to her as he donned his own boots and hauled a backpack over his shoulder. Then he took her hand and led her and the others out into the overgrown garden. They plodded through foot high grass and shaggy shrubs for what seemed like ages. Just when Hally was about to call a halt and demand to know where they were going the overgrown garden opened out on a small wooded area with the river running through. Attached to the trees were red heart shaped balloons and ribbons. The girls gasped at the sight and were then even more surprised when the boys led them towards the river and into a small arched summer house built from stone. There were more balloons over the entrance and inside stone benches lined the curved wall. The ceiling arched away above them and Hally was very glad of the rugs as it was rather cold.

“Sit down.”

Wes told them. They did as he asked and then he pulled open the backpack and with the help of Rhys and Gregg unpacked a flask of soup, crusty bread, cheese, fruit, plates, cutlery and cups. Between them the boys gave the girls a lunchtime feast which they found very filling and warming on top of the earlier chocolate treats.

“What is this place?”

Clia asked.

“Well, it belongs to the cottage and dad was told it was built by the farmer who lived here like over a hundred years ago. Apparently he built it for his wife because she wasn’t from farming stock but had fallen in love with him and been disowned by her family because she married him. This summer house was the only connection to her life as a lady that he could give her.”

Wes told them all.

“Wow, how romantic!”

Exclaimed Corrinne.

“Were they happy?”

Hally asked solemnly. Wes took her hand and kissed the back of it.

“Very, so dad’s been told. They had eight children and lived ‘til they were very old.”

Hally smiled, glad she was sitting in a place that had seen so much love and happiness.

After the lunch they made their way back to the cottage and the boys settled the girls in front of the fire and loaded a DVD player with a chick flick which they knew all three girls loved to watch.

“But you lads don’t like these sort of movies.”

Hally told them.

“Today we watch whatever pleases you girls.”

Gregg told them pulling Corrinne close. The girls giggled and settled down, whilst the boys went into the kitchen and returned with fizzy drinks and snacks.

“We are going to go home ten pounds heavier.”

Clia said with a laugh.

“Oh well, we will still love you.”

Rhys replied then blushed furiously when he realised what he had said.

“Ooh film’s starting.”

Hally said to relieve Rhys’ embarrassment, and all went quiet as they watched.

The rest of the day was spent in front of the fire watching a whole variety of girlie films, much to the delight of the Hally, Corrinne and Clia. The boys showed no signs of getting bored. Then around five in the evening the boys stood up and headed for the kitchen.

“You three stay just where you are.”

Wes instructed.

“Oh we are not going anywhere, it’s too cosy here.”

Hally told him with Corrinne and Clia nodding the affirmative. But a short time later when they heard some clanging and banging and loud male laughter, they began to wonder what was going on.

“They must be trying out their culinary skills.”

Clia said to the other two.

“Mmmm, strange, but Wes has never cooked for me before. In fact neither of us has, we always just eat with the family or go out.”

Hally commented.

“Gregg is actually a very good cook. He’s cooked for me quite a few times.”

Corrinne told her friends.

“You’ve never said before.”

Hally said giving her a quizzical look, but with that odd trembling inside she experienced before when she thought her friends were drifting away. Corrinne gave her usual smile which alleviated the fear.

“I really didn’t mean to keep it from you, we just sometimes cook together when mum and dad are out.”

Hally saw in her friend’s eyes that everything was still right between them all.

“Rhys made me an omelette once at his house, but it sort of fell to bits.”

Clia announced and all three burst into giggles.

About an hour later Wes reappeared in the doorway. His hair was damp and swept back untidily and his face was flushed and hot looking.

“Girls it’s time for you to go and dress for dinner.”

He told them with a smile. Hally stood up and walked over to him.

“Is everything ok through there? You look really hot.”

She asked with concern in her voice. Wes leaned down and planted a sweaty kiss on her lips.

“Everything is absolutely going to plan. Now go and dress.”

Hally giggled and turned as Corrinne and Clia peeled themselves off the sofa and all three headed upstairs to get ready.

The room Hally had chosen was warm and cosy as she began to pull off her day clothes and unzipped the dress from its cover. She changed her underwear into a beautiful red set that matched the dress and sat at the dressing table to put on her makeup. There was a knock on the door and Corrinne called out.

“Hals, you got a minute?”

“Of course, come in.”

Corrinne came into the room closing the door behind her, a frown and a worried look on her face. Hally was immediately concerned.

“What’s wrong?”

She asked turning from the mirror. Corrinne’s eyes shone with unshed tears and Hally quickly went and put her arm around her friend. Corrinne rubbed her eyes and then said.

“Damn it, I’ve just come on. It’s early, have you got some tampons?”

Hally immediately went to her bag and pulled a small container out loaded with tampons and handed them to Corrinne.

“Corrie, how come you haven’t got a bagful?”

Hally asked gently.

“I know, usually I have everything bar the kitchen sink don’t I? It’s just I didn’t want to look stupid to Gregg carrying so much unnecessary stuff. (She sniffed back tears) Should have just been my normal self.”

Hally hugged her friend close.

“You know Corrinne, Gregg sees you all the time with your big bag, that’s who you are.”

Corrinne gave a smile.

“I know, I won’t make the same mistake again. See you never know what’s going to happen. Trouble is what if Gregg, you know, gets well a bit frisky tonight?”

Corrinne asked worriedly.

“Just tell him the truth, besides, I actually don’t think any of them are going to be like that. I really do think they just want us to have a good time.”

Hally replied. Corrinne gave her a look that was close to disappointment.

“Hmmm, ok.”

“Corrinne you little…”

Hally didn’t finish as both girls started laughing and Corrinne left the room looking a lot happier than when she entered.

Corrinne and Clia came to Hally’s room before going downstairs. Corrinne was wearing a soft blue ruffle dress and black caged platform shoes and Clia was wearing a thigh length tiered black lace dress with black patent platforms. They admired each other’s outfits and checking their makeup in the mirror carefully made their way back downstairs. Somehow the boys had managed to all get changed too and were waiting for the girls in the living room. They had removed all the packets and glasses from the coffee table and replaced them with a tray of champagne flutes.

“You look gorgeous.”

“Wow.”

“Mind blowing.”

Each girl was complimented by her boyfriend. Then as the girls looked at the glasses.

“Alcohol free fizzy wine.”

Wes told them as they handed each girl a drink. Then holding out an arm the boys led the girls into the kitchen.

They had transformed the country kitchen into a beautiful dining room that looked like an expensive restaurant. A deep red cloth covered the large table with soft candles burning at the centre. There were place mats and cutlery and glasses all laid out; and the wall lamps had been draped with squares of red lace giving a romantic glow to the large room. The boys pulled chairs out for the girls and settled them at the table. Hally noticed a huge range style cooker and realised why Wes had looked so hot and flushed.

With tea towels folded over their arms like waiters, the boys moved from the fridge to the table setting in front of the girls their starter and then sitting down opposite to join them. Hally looked at the dish, avocado pear filled with prawns in a sea food sauce, and wondered who had actually prepared it. Wes seemed to read her mind.